UPDATE: I-80 eastbound reopened following the completion of emergency sinkhole repairs, the state Department of Transportation announced around 8 a.m. Monday.
Four days after a giant sinkhole took out the right lane of Interstate 80 in Morris County, resulting in massive traffic jams and winding detours, the heavily-traveled route is reopened.
The 40-foot-by-40-foot crater on the highway in Wharton was repaired and reopened to traffic around 8 a.m. Monday, the state Department of Transportation said. Officials previously said the reopening depended on whether the rainy weather delayed repairs.
Repair crews worked around the clock through the weekend to stabilize and repair the sinkhole despite wet weather, officials said. Aerial photos taken Friday showed the sinkhole filled and the road surface milled down to soil in preparation for repaving.
“I want to commend the outstanding efforts of the NJDOT and conctractor crews that worked tirelessly to get Interstate 80 reopened quickly and safely for the motoring public,” state Transportation Commissioner Fran O’Connor said. “Given the extensive nature of the damage, it is truly remarkable the amount of work that was done in such a short amount of time.”
Motorist's view of the sinkhole on I-80 traveling eastbound near Wharton, Morris County, last week.Paula Roebuck
When did I-80 close?
The eastbound side of Interstate 80 in Morris County was first closed around 7:45 a.m. Thursday as construction crews responded to the massive hole, located near the Exit 34 ramp to Route 15, according to the state Department of Transportation.
The giant sinkhole took out the entire shoulder and right lane of the busy state highway. No injuries were reported.
What caused the sinkhole?
The collapse of an abandoned mineshaft is to blame, according to state officials. A state Department of Environmental Protection map shows three abandoned mines next to I-80 in Wharton.
The area that includes Wharton, Dover, Mine Hill and Rockaway had numerous iron mines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where can commuters get updates?
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website for construction updates and real-time travel information.
Stories by Jackie Roman
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NJ Advance Media staff writer Larry Higgs contributed to this report.
Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.